Back to school in the DRC: Significant progress for teachers
The start of the school year in the Democratic Republic of Congo is marked this year by major progress for teachers, resulting from fruitful discussions between the inter-union of national education and new citizenship and the government. This new dynamic was concretized during the general assembly to report on the work of the joint committee, which was held in Kinshasa and closed on August 30.
The president of the inter-union, Godefroid Matendo Nzuzi, announced important measures aimed at improving the working conditions and status of teachers in the DRC. From now on, teachers will have the status of career agents of the State public services, with a civil service registration number. This measure ensures better recognition of their profession, putting an end to the precariousness of their employment conditions.
Another significant step forward concerns securing teachers’ careers. Indeed, the latter will be able to access the rank of command, while continuing to exercise their profession as a teacher. This guarantees them career development prospects and legal benefits after retirement or in the event of death.
The salary issue was also addressed during the negotiations. A salary adjustment of 100,000 Congolese francs (approximately 35 USD) per teacher was accepted, payable in two installments. This increase aims to recognize the importance of teachers’ work and improve their purchasing power.
In addition, joining the contributory scheme of 5,000 Congolese francs per month per teacher will strengthen the benefits of the Mutuelle de Santé des Enseignants du Secteur Public (MESP). This guarantees teachers access to quality health care and contributes to their well-being.
In short, these advances demonstrate the Congolese authorities’ desire to promote the teaching profession and improve working conditions in the education sector in the DRC. This school year is therefore looking better for teachers, who will be able to practice their profession in a more stable and secure environment, thus promoting quality education for Congolese students. The constructive collaboration between the unions and the government shows the way towards a stronger and more efficient national education in the Democratic Republic of Congo.